Soneva Fushi, Maldives is offering October and early-bird guests some amazing specials, including tennis lessons with a pro and Michelin-star dining. And stay between December 18 and January 12, 2018 and get complimentary domestic transfers and full board. Book now as this exclusive offer is only valid until October 31st, 2017.
This Relais & Châteaux property is driven by its guiding principle of ‘Intelligent Luxury’, which is about understanding what true luxury is for its guests. Many visitors spend a lot of their time in urban environments.‘Intelligent Luxury’ is about understanding the daily lives of guests and offering them experiences that are both ‘new’ and ‘true’.
1. Private tennis lessons
Andy Murray and coach Jonas Björkman (Credit/Soneva)
Take a lesson from a champion. Hone your tennis skills this festive season at Soneva Fushi by reserving one of a limited number of slots for complimentary lessons from nine-time Grand Slam winner Jonas Björkman. Lessons are available on a first come, first “served” basis.
Afterwards, why not celebrate your new rock-solid backhand with a dinner cruise under the stars?
2. Astronomical dinner cruise
Twinkle, twinkle (Credit/Soneva)
This incredible experience begins at late sunset, featuring a four-course meal with wine pairings. The resident astronomer will guide you through the wonders that stare back at you across the night sky, sharing secrets of the cosmos. Alternatively, have a private stargazing lesson through the lenses of Soneva’s state-of-the-art telescope.
“The coolest thing is no shoes … I love it, actually I think when I go back to the real world I’ll struggle to wear shoes at all!”
—Mike Dalley, Soneva Fushi astronomer
3. Private sandbank overnight experience
Picnic on a private island (Credit/Soneva)
If you’re finding the remote resort is just not removed enough from civilisation, spend a romantic night camping under the sapphire Maldivian skies on your own private sandbank in a luxurious Bedouin-style tent. Make your way to a candlelit dinner, set up by personal attendants before they depart to allow you to experience the unspoiled island. Breakfast will be delivered at a pre-arranged time of your choice.
4. Family picnic with guided snorkelling
Baa Atoll is the Maldives’ only UNESCO World Biosphere reserve (Credit/Soneva)
Kids will love this excursion! Pick your favourite unspoiled island and allow Soneva to arrange for its resident marine biologist to escort you on a guided snorkelling experience through one of the best reefs in Baa Atoll, within the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Following the marvellous expedition, make your way back to dry land for a gourmet picnic, complete with a personal chef and waiter on hand.
5. Evening fishing
Take an evening boat to see another side of (marine) life (Credit/Soneva)
Arguably the oldest profession in the Maldives, fishing is one of the most relaxing activities for the busy traveller. Those who might rank themselves as talented fishermen would find it a worthy challenge to test the plentiful waters of the Indian Ocean for an impressive catch. Heading out in the boat just before the sun sets is a chance to enjoy the spectacular natural scenery, stunning sunsets and rich underwater life of the Maldives, while enjoying some canapés and cool beverages to make the experience even more unforgettable. Our captain will take you to secret spots known for big game yet away from the reef to avoid causing any damage.
A maximum of two fish per person can be kept, while all others caught must be released back into the ocean. For those lucky enough to bring back a sizeable catch, a meal featuring the fruits of your labour will be prepared by the chefs at the resort.
6. Eight-star Michelin experience
15 minutes by speedboat, but a world away (Credit/Soneva)
Indulge in a star-studded gastronomic extravaganza October 21st–25th as six Michelin-starred chefs descend on Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani.
The six chefs all hail from the Netherlands, and between them have worked in prestigious culinary establishments around the world—even the White House! They bring with them multiple Michelin stars as they take over Soneva’s numerous restaurants, adding even more glitter to the luxurious dining venues.
Highlights of this star-studded foodie spectacular include a one-night-only Michelin takeover of every Soneva restaurant in the Maldives. Four of our Michelin-starred chefs will head up Soneva Fushi restaurants, while another two will lead proceedings at Soneva Jani, assuring diners of a memorable experience in every sense.
Soneva sustainability efforts
“Intelligent luxury” (Credit/Soneva)
Soneva has committed itself to sustainable tourism and has made the environment its priority. Solar panels, water treatment, natural ventilation, waste management, use of biochar as charcoal, glass recycling, protection of biodiversity and social commitment are in line with the support of the SLOW Life Foundation. This supports innovative projects for the environment and the communities.
Getting there
Airports:
Guests arrive at the resort by a scenic 30-minute seaplane flight direct from Malé International Airport or a 20-minute domestic flight to Dharavandhoo followed by a 12 minute speedboat ride.
The dry season lasts from December to April in the Maldives and has little rain and lower humidity. It’s a perfect time to celebrate the festive season at a beautiful and sustainable tropical island resort.
Written By: Adriane Rysz